Himachal Pradesh will witness the inauguration of world’s largest highway tunnel today at Rohtang pass. PM Modi will inaugurate this “Atal tunnel” today that will shorten the distance between Leh and Manali by 46 kms and travel time will decrease by 4-5 hours. Himachal Pradesh’s CM Jairam Thakur, “We have done all the preparations and we are waiting for our honourable Prime Minister. It’s a moment of joy for the people of Himachal Pradesh. This is a historical moment”. He also added, “This tunnel holds a great importance in the light of the situation with neighbouring countries. And added that it is not only significant from a national security point of view but will also be very helpful for the mitigation of the people”.
Amazing facts about Atal Tunnel
- The tunnel is built 10.5 m broad and possesses a fire proof emergency of 3.6*2.25 m.
- The decision to construct this Atal tunnel was taken in the year 2000 by the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The foundation stone for the tunnel was laid in May 26, 2002.
- Later on December 2019, the tunnel was renamed from “Rohtang tunnel” to “Atal tunnel” in his memory.
- For the emergency situation, the tunnel is equipped with fire extinguishers at every 60m and telephone at every 150m. The tunnel also has security cameras at a distance of every 60m. It even has a broadcasting system with steps to emergency exit on every 25m.
- The Atal tunnel is 9.02km long and is the world’s largest tunnel above 10,000 feet.
- This tunnel is a double lane within a single tube and is constructed in a shape of horse-shoe.
- The Atal tunnel will remain open throughout the year to tackle the problem that was faced in Lahaul-split valley that is being cut for 6 months every year due to snowfall.
- It can handle the traffic density of 3000 cars and 1500 trucks everyday with the speed of 80km/hr.
